Africa

Liberian President George Weah announced as Ambassador for Pan-African Inter-School Championship

Published

5 years ago

May 6, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

President Weah is the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award

A joint CAF and FIFA delegation travelled to Liberia to hold meetings today with the Liberian Football Association and government officials in Monrovia. Partnerships with the public and private sectors, increased opportunities for youth through football and the appointment of Liberian President George Weah as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Championship were among the topics discussed.

Upon arrival last night at Monrovia Roberts Airport, the delegation were greeted by Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, members of the LFA Executive Committee (EXCO) and Minister of Youth and Sports, the Honorable D. Zeogar Wilson. In Monrovia city, Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee welcomed the delegations to the capital and presented the FIFA President with a key to the city in a gesture of friendship.

This morning, the delegation attended a meeting with the LFA EXCO, listening to the challenges it is facing with football infrastructure. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe underlined to members present that Liberia had huge potential, which could be harnessed by providing more opportunities for youth through football. He also stressed that working together for the good of African football is the best way to ensure progress for the game and the continent. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reinforced this message, referencing the iconic George Weah – now President of Liberia – as a great example of the positive impact football can have on a country.

An official meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports followed. CAF President Dr Motsepe said: “We hear your concerns and would like to assure you of CAF’s commitment to work with Liberian football and government authorities to improve football infrastructure here.”

The delegation, together with the Minister of Youth and Sports, then visited the Samuel K Doe Football Complex, which has been fitted with a new turf pitch through funding from the FIFA Forward (https://fifa.fans/2R1hqAN) programme. Speaking at the complex, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA believes that every country should have access to the best quality pitches and football facilities, and we will work with CAF to bring about more improvements to Liberia.”

An audience with Liberian President, His Excellency George Weah, followed. Strengthening African and Liberian football was central to discussions, with Gianni Infantino stating: “We are happy to be in a country so passionate about football. We are here to give you CAF and FIFA’s full support to take football into a new era and we will work with you to do this.”

Talks also covered the power of football on economies. “Football and economic development go hand in hand, so let’s try through football to invest in job creation,” said CAF President Dr Motsepe. “It’s also our duty to make sure stadia meet the required standards, and CAF will work with the Liberian authorities to do so.”

The conclusion of the meeting saw the CAF and FIFA Presidents present President Weah – the only African to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award – with a certificate announcing him as the first Ambassador of the Pan-African Inter-School Football Championship.

Gianni Infantino said: “President Weah is an icon of football and now a respected statesman. FIFA and CAF are delighted to have his support. His stellar football career is an inspiration to young Africans and we welcome him on board this initiative, supported by the African Union, which will see football competitions at national level in schools throughout Africa. Football offers us a unique opportunity to connect with young people and empower them through this programme.”

The joint delegation then visited the construction site at the headquarters of the LFA to discuss the developments that have taken place in expanding women’s football in the country, before attending a women’s youth football match at Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Before kick-off, LFA President Mustapha Raji thanked both the CAF and FIFA Presidents for visiting his country and for believing in the power of football to give hope, education and joy to children in Liberia. This was followed by addresses from the Minister of Education and Youth and Sports respectively.

CAF President Dr Motsepe’s took to the stage for a short address, concluding: “We must be proud of and thankful to the LFA President for his excellent work. Football has a bright future here. The girl who is going to be the African winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award (https://fifa.fans/3nZyxze) could be here today!”

Africa

Gaming Realms expands into three African markets via SportyBet partnership

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-realms-expands-into-three-african-markets-via-sportybet-partnership

Gaming Realms, the originator of the distinctive Slingo format, has expanded its presence in Africa by partnering with SportyBet in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, only weeks following its market launch in South Africa.

Players in the area of the top operator can now explore a wide range of Slingo games, featuring popular titles like Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Day of the Dab, and Slingo Xxxtreme. The legendary product has demonstrated widespread attraction worldwide, delivering a distinct experience that fuses the thrill of slots with tactical elements.

The operator belongs to Sporty Group, a global media and entertainment firm that possesses licenses to provide betting and online casino offerings in various regulated African areas.

Entering the three newly regulated markets marks a significant accomplishment for Gaming Realms, with Africa being a crucial growth region for the provider that has quickly expanded its footprint in Europe and North America in the past year. The newest expansion comes after a recent market launch in South Africa, with the company planning to grow further in the African region soon.

Laura Norton, Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Entering three new African markets at once together with SportyBet is a fantastic achievement for the Gaming Realms team.

“We are encouraged by the initial performance and are confident our unique content is appealing to SportyBet’s local customers and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Joey Hurtado, Director of Casino at SportyBet, said: “Being the first operator to introduce Gaming Realms’ content in three of our core African markets is a real coup.

“Their product offering provides something truly different and this collaboration helps us deliver on our promise to offer our customers a best-in-class entertainment experience.”

The post Gaming Realms expands into three African markets via SportyBet partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

Greentube partners with World Sports Betting to expand in South Africa

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

greentube-partners-with-world-sports-betting-to-expand-in-south-africa

Deal follows Greentube’s spring 2025 market entry and brings Book of Ra and other slots to the operator’s casino lobby.

Greentube has signed a content partnership with South African operator World Sports Betting, extending its distribution in the country following its market entry in spring 2025.

Under the agreement, World Sports Betting will roll out a selection of Greentube titles, mixing new releases with established land-based games. Initial launches include Queen Cleopatra and 25 Red Hot 7 Clover Link.

The wider lineup named in the announcement includes Book of Ra, Lucky Lady’s Charm and Sizzling Hot. Greentube said the content package has been tailored for South Africa.

Razvan Glodea, Sales and Key Account Manager at Greentube, said: “We’ve been working hard to bring our games live with such an important brand in the South African market, and we’re excited to make our portfolio accessible to even more players.

“With our iconic titles that players already know and love, we’re confident in gaining strong engagement alongside World Sports Betting. We’re also looking forward to delivering great results, supported by a range of exciting promotional activities planned for players very soon.”

Ryno Du Plessis at World Sports Betting, added: “Greentube’s portfolio features some of the most recognisable titles in the industry, and we’re delighted to bring these games to our players.

“This partnership allows us to further strengthen our casino offering with content that has a proven track record, while also introducing exciting new games tailored to our audience.”

The post Greentube partners with World Sports Betting to expand in South Africa appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

Bede Gaming’s Latest Sunbet Expansion Delivers iGaming Platform to Namibia

Published

1 week ago

May 28, 2026

Wladimir P.

bede-gaming’s-latest-sunbet-expansion-delivers-igaming-platform-to-namibia

Launch adds sports, slots and live casino, with integrations including Kambi and Evolution.

Sunbet, the digital gaming arm of Sun International, has launched in Namibia using an “internationally configurable” platform supplied by Bede Gaming. The rollout marks Sunbet’s latest African market expansion with the technology partner.

Bede said the Namibia deployment mirrors Sunbet’s other African markets, covering sports, slots and live casino. The platform includes integrations with Kambi, Evolution, Habenero and Pariplay.

Operationally, Bede said Sunbet will also use its partnership with Xtremepush to access CRM tooling aimed at supporting acquisition and retention.

Bede and Sunbet have worked together since 2017. Bede said that after slot regulation changed in South Africa in 2022, Sunbet expanded its digital product line-up, followed by a Botswana launch in 2024. Bede cited H2 2025 Botswana results of 189% growth in registrations, 239% growth in unique players, and increases of 370% in total wagering and 350% in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).

Kirsty Stewart, Chief Legal & Client Success Officer at Bede, said: “It’s been wonderful to continue fostering our ongoing partnership with Sunbet, including the delivery of their two global expansions over these last couple of years. There’s a lot to be proud of within this customer relationship, and we’re looking forward to building on the outstanding performance we’ve witnessed so far. I’m eager to continue offering a strong foundation, exceptional service and powerful integration suite for Sun’s future growth.”

Simon Gregory, Chief Executive Officer at Sunbet, said: “Sun International is a well respected and trusted brand in Africa, so Sunbet’s intention was always to leverage this good will by expanding into other African markets. We experienced significant success after our debut in Botswana, so rolling out Sunbet to the Namibian market was the natural next step for us, especially given that Namibia is one of South Africa’s strongest trading partners.

“We are equally confident that with Bede, we have the right partner to achieve our regional expansion strategy. Their platform offers the digital flexibility and stability we need to efficiently enter new markets while living up to Sunbet’s promise to deliver a high-quality experience for players.

“We look forward to building a strong presence in Namibia and bringing the same trusted Sunbet experience that customers have come to expect across our other markets.”

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